Domaine Majas, Roussillon

“Meeting Tom Lubbe and subsequently converting to organic farming saved both the wines and us,” says Alain Carrére, who Domaine Majas with his wife Agnès in 1992. There was a time when the couple were close to ruin. Their decision to sell large quantities of broadly appealing wines to a well-known French supermarket chain cost them more each year, both in quality and financially. By a fortunate coincidence, they met New Zealander Tom Lubbe, who had gained experience in organic winemaking in South Africa and successfully applied it to his own vineyards at Domaine Matassa.

Tom's recipe was simple: no added yeasts, no manipulation and only a little sulphite. He encouraged Alain and Agnes, helped them put it into practice and remains a business partner and important part of the company. Today, Domaine Majas comprises 30 hectares of organically farmed vineyards planted with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Syrah, Chenanson, Macabeu, Rolle and Chardonnay. 'We had wanted to convert to organic farming for a long time, but did not have the courage with such a large area. Although we had always worked close to nature, the organic approach brought astonishing new life to vines that are in some cases 130 years old,' explains Alain. He deliberately forgoes the possible AOC Côtes du Roussillon designation: 'That way, we remain free in our vision and creativity.' Today, Domaine Majas's wines have character and soul; they are both fresh and elegant and simply a pleasure to drink.